Maria Rodrigues
September 6, 1932 ~ November 4, 2017 (age 85) 85 Years OldShare Tribute:
Maria Avila Rodrigues passed away peacefully on November 4, 2017 surrounded by loved ones at Alexander Cohen Hospice House - Hughson, CA. She will now be reunited in Heaven with those she longed for on earth: loving husband Joao Lopes Rodrigues and son Rodrigo Rodrigues.
Born in the Island of Pico, Azores, Portugal on September 6, 1932, Maria was the oldest of 5 siblings: Celestina Machado (Joao), Ilduina Da Silva (Jose), Manuel Oliveira (Zulmira), and Francisca Marcos (Alfredo).
On July 23, 1951, in Fetais, Pico Maria married her devoted husband Joao Lopes Rodrigues and they had 3 children: Rodrigo Rodrigues (Deceased), Regina Simile (Guy), Cidalia Ramirez (Fernando).
In 1967, Maria with her husband and three children immigrated to the United States of America. The family finally settled in Modesto, where they ran a successful dairy "Rodrigues & Rodrigues".
On June 26, 1983, Maria's husband and family patriarch passed away.
On February 13, 1985, Maria became a U.S. Citizen. Maria's family and legacy grew in Modesto, CA where she had 4 grand children: Joseph Simile (Bethany), Megan Neuson (Gerren), Deondra Rodrigues, Candace Ramirez (Blake) and 6 great-grandchildren: Gaetano Simile, Nika Simile, Rosalind Simile, Anneliese Simile, Emilia Neuson and Derek Neuson.
In the last few years of her life, Maria lived with her two daughters who cared for her dearly.
Maria, will forever be remembered as a loving wife, mae, vavo, avozinha, sister and friend. She loved to crochet, draw, bake, cook, garden, travel and talk to her friends and sisters for hours.
Maria was a devoted member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, where she served as a lector and Eucharistic minister. Maria was a faithful religious woman who carried a beautiful rosary with her wherever she went.
A rosary/mass service will be held at St. Stanislaus Catholic Mission, 709 J Street, Modesto, CA on Monday, November 13, 2017. Rosary at 9:00AM, mass at 10:00AM followed by interment at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery, 1141 Scenic Drive, Modesto, CA.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Alexander Cohen Hospice House - 2201 Euclid Ave, Hughson, CA 95326.